James Faust and I saw a lot of movies in 2014. Quite literally, thousands of movies. It is very hard to make a “best of 2014” list, but we do have a lot of new favorites films to share.

Typically, James watches narrative features—big and small—from all over the world, while I see many more documentaries. As you’ll see, our lists reflect that a little.

If you missed one of these movies this year (listed in no particular order below), try to see it on your holiday break. We think you'll enjoy them too.

What are your favorite films of the year?

Cheers to more great movies in 2015!

JAMES’S PICKS:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL—No one does live-action animation like Wes Anderson. A near brilliant script, spectacular and innovative cinematography round out arguably the most fun I had in a theater in 2014.

THE OVERNIGHTERS—I am still thinking about this documentary. One of my favorite moments during DIFF this year was when various audience members found me hours after the screening, wanting to talk about what they had seen.

MUDBLOODS—A documentary about real-life quidditch?! Yes please! (So this is a little biased, but it was really exciting to see the doc my boyfriend co-wrote and produced released this year!) Brooms up!

The Lego Movie

THE LEGO MOVIE—Everything is awesome! I loved Legos as a kid. This was such a creative and clever film!

BOYHOOD—Did you know they made this movie over 12 years?!? (Joke.) Seriously though, it’s an interesting experiment and quite the feat. I loved the little Texas moments in the film.

A few others favs to note in 2014: THE CASE AGAINST 8, KUMIKO THE TREASURE HUNTER, NIGHTCRAWLER, TALES OF THE GRIM SLEEPER, ART & CRAFT, THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS, WHIPLASH. (And can TRUE DETECTIVE count?)